Rear Code Used To Verify L46? Opinions

[Steven H.]

Guys

I have a late production 69 that may be a L46; in the absence of a build sheet, I am curious if this scenario can be used to verify the L46.

VIN VIN 194379S736819 Trim Date P23
Rear code 1CAO11 24 69



Notice that the CAO code is indicated to be used with HP350 and M21.

It appears to be common knowledge that late 69 production started to use some of the 70 codes, parts, and assembly methods. The problem is my block is the correct 3970010 but is cast F73 and the stamp pad is void of any stampings and has what appear to be factory broach marks leaving me to suspect it has not been decked (not that it matters because of the date code). I have the VIN stamped correct M21 and every single thing checks out to make this an L46 car expect for the 5300 redline tach which of course could have been replaced incorrectly. I have what could be the original correct heads, pulley, console call out; but lack that certainty because of no build sheet, tach, and block. I would like to know opinions if the rearend code can lock down the fact this is an L46 car.





Also if this 70 ordering flow chart is accurate; is it also applicable for 69 concerning the base and L46 rear end options? If so; this as well should lock down the L46 on my specific car.

[Jack H.]

Re: Rear Code Used To Verify L46? Opinions

One of the problems with 'forensic' configuration determination, is the presumption that this/that part is actually factory original to the car.

Those who originally bought cars for competition racing typically removed factory original parts (e.g. gas tank to replace with fuel cell) and broke parts due to on-track use/abuse. That provided a source to other driver cars of correct original & dated components (including tank stickers).

So, the fact that a given rear end has a certain ID code on it simply means that the car it CAME from was factory configured in a particular fashion. It doesn't 'prove' that the car that part is found to be installed in today is/was that vehicle!

You may interpret the ID code as proof positive of the car's factory original configuration (and you could very well be right). But, taking this interpretation forward and thinking that any/all potential buyers will accept the forensic analysis as indisputable proof is a stretch...

[Steven H.]

Re: Rear Code Used To Verify L46? Opinions

Jack

Of course I understand any given part can come and go; but for a fact the M21 is VIN stamped, and if you combine the P23 with the 1CAO11 24 69, that is near too close for chance replacement.

Not that the 70 figures at the bottom are accurate or apply to late 69 production; but the may well, the M21 alone could lock the car to L46.

Note this is not for resale or to fool anyone; this is so that I rebuild the car correct. The car I just traded for this 69 Vette was in my possession for 29 years; so I am not a car flipper.

Steve

[Steven H.]

Re: Rear Code Used To Verify L46? Opinions

P23 was the date when the trim tag was applied. In the case of early C3s, the trim tag was applied after paint, but before trim. Your couple day estimate to "off the end of the line" is probably accurate -- allowing for weekends and holidays.

I think one would have to define "start point" more accurately to take care of this end of things, but that is not germane to this discussion.

Terry

Do you know for fact the trim tag was stamped immediately before installation on the body; or might the trim tag and VIN plate been stamped before the body was even assembled and later installed as the body came together?

I wouldn't think either was made too far in advance of application to body; but certainly an interesting question that could make a difference of a minutes, hours, or a day even in the date with correlation to actual assembly.

And to make it interesting to the weekend; it looks like P23 was a Sunday.

Sincerely,

Steve

November 1969


S M Tu W Th F S
1
2 3 4 5 6 7 8
9 10 11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19 20 21 22
23 24 25 26 27 28 29
30

[Terry M.]

[Steven H.]

Re: Rear Code Used To Verify L46? Opinions

Terry

I have fine details of where tags were installed on my area of expertise; Pontiacs built in Pontiac, but until this time never became curious to the thought of when the tags were actually stamped.

This of course is just for sport and I don't see what significant bearing it could have other than satisfying curiosity.

I only grabbed that calendar randomly off the net; I do not know if that is accurate and will double check. As well, I'll double check when I get home tonight and even take a picture if indeed the P23 is correct. I'm fairly sure it is but then again I had no reason to double check myself on the initial look at the car.

Steve

[Terry M.]

Re: Rear Code Used To Verify L46? Opinions

I have accurate calendars at home also. Double-check the date stamp. Threes, eights, and sixes are a lot similar and some stamps are light enough to make it real hard to tell them apart. Of course the location of the C3 trim tag is no advantage either.

Send me a PM with your VIN also, please.

[Steven H.]

Re: Rear Code Used To Verify L46? Opinions

Terry

I checked two other calendar sources and all have it on Sunday.

The VIN is up top on the first post: 194379S736819

Steve

[Steven H.]

Re: Rear Code Used To Verify L46? Opinions

Terry

You were dead on correct it is an 8; P28, and I apologize for getting it wrong on my first look.

However; this is a good thing, because now it makes the rear carrier possibly correct with the 11 24 69 date stamp?

Steve

[Terry M.]

Re: Rear Code Used To Verify L46? Opinions

Steve,
Sometimes I read too quickly -- I didn't notice the VIN in the opening post.

So your car's trim tag is Friday November 28. I think there were no Corvettes produced on November 27 -- which would lead me to think that may have been Thanksgiving. Anyone with access to a daily newspaper at their local library, many are on microfilm, could verify that. It is interesting the St. Louis worked the day following Thanksgiving in 1969. I wonder if that would have been premium pay for the workers? Anyway your car probably would have exited the assembly line on Monday of the week following -- December 1. Is your blue certification label on the driver's door? What month does it show?

FWIW: My 1970, January 29 on the trim tag, has 2 CFA 12 06 69 W on the differential. That date, of course, is almost two months before the body build. I would say that a month is more typical, but since the differential code is not judged we don't often get this information. It usually only comes from Protect O Plates.

Edit add: some more data points:
1969 with Q01 on the trim tag has CAO 10 16 69 W
1969 with Q11 on the trim tag has CFA 10 17 69 W

[Donald S.]

Re: Rear Code Used To Verify L46? Opinions

Steve, Terry,

VIN 35963
P19 Trim tag
Blue Certification label says 11-69

CAZ 10 17 69 W

Don

[Terry M.]

Re: Rear Code Used To Verify L46? Opinions

Thanks Don. I didn't have any data earlier, but close to Steve's car. Another data point.

BTW: I LOVE that stamp. Real professional.

For my files: Coupe of Convertible?

[Gary C.]

Re: Rear Code Used To Verify L46? Opinions

Steve, here's Nov 69 calendar and the 29th's on Sat. Have used this calendar site forever. http://www.timeanddate.com/calendar/...1969&country=1 Calendar doesn't space out correctly, but Nov 1, 1969 is a Sat. Gary....
Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa
1
2 3 4 5 6 7 8
9 10 11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19 20 21 22
23 24 25 26 27 28 29
30

[Steven H.]

Re: Rear Code Used To Verify L46? Opinions

Thanks Don and Gary

Terry

Unfortunately the door sticker is long gone; It's a good guess the right door is original, I haven't looked close enough at the left one yet. Someone definitely painted the jams, and yes 11/27/1969 was T Day.

So a bit back to my original purpose of the thread; if my rear is original, can either the rear, specific rear code, or VIN correct M21 lock in the L46 for the possible fact you couldn't get either with the base 350?

I still have many things to look at on the car; I've only had it a week and a half, so I still need some time to get a feel for everything on it.

Steve

[Terry M.]

Re: Rear Code Used To Verify L46? Opinions

So a bit back to my original purpose of the thread; if my rear is original, can either the rear, specific rear code, or VIN correct M21 lock in the L46 for the possible fact you couldn't get either with the base 350?
Steve

Sorry I can't shed any light on that. Good Luck.